What are grandma's tips for predicting childbirth?

The arrival of a baby is a moment filled with excitement, but also uncertainty for any pregnant woman. While the exact due date of a typical delivery is difficult to predict, it is known to occur between the 37th and 42nd week of amenorrhea. This timeframe is still a bit too vague for those for whom the last few weeks are torture!
But attention, expectant mothers: if at 9 months pregnant you're thinking of diving into spicy dishes supposedly to induce labor, we advise you to first consider some grandmotherly tips to check if the baby isn't already on its way. Not to mention some scientific indications that will allow you to more seriously detect if your labor is imminent.

Key takeaways on grandmother's tricks to know when you're going into labor

Identifying imminent labor relies on a mix of popular traditions and physiological realities.

• Empirical signs: "Grandmother's tricks," like nesting (cleaning frenzy) or the feeling of the belly dropping, remain fascinating but do not replace medical advice.

• The signal of active labor: Physiologically, the loss of the mucus plug, rupture of the amniotic sac, and the appearance of regular contractions confirm the beginning of labor.

• Preparation for overdue term: Natural methods, such as light physical activity or gentle manipulations, can help prepare the body if the baby is taking its time.

• Safety first: Regular pregnancy check-ups and rigorous observation of clinical signs remain essential to ensure a serene birth.

Childbirth: some signs that may indicate its arrival according to our grandmothers

You can pass your hand between your breasts and your belly

One of the grandmother's tricks to know if you're going into labor is to see if you can pass your hand between your breasts and your belly: this can be a sign of imminent delivery. This is due to the baby dropping into the pelvis, which frees up space between the breasts and the belly. Well, this remains to be proven, as every human body is different, and we strongly doubt that this advice applies to twin pregnancies! What is certain is that the descent of the fetus towards the pelvis puts pressure on the cervix.

You have a sudden urge to turn your house into a cozy nest

Another grandmother's secret to predicting that D-Day is approaching is called "nesting." Some pregnant women feel a sudden and intense need to prepare their home environment for the arrival of their baby. This can manifest as a surge of energy, a cleaning frenzy in the bathroom, a furious need to decorate the baby's room, or an irresistible urge to tidy their house from top to bottom. This nesting impulse is considered by some to be a sign that labor is near.

The full moon

It is common to hear that one would be more fertile or that births would be more numerous during full moons. Myth or reality? According to this popular belief, the fact that the lunar cycle lasts 28 days, like the menstrual cycle, cannot be a coincidence, so we would have a better chance of getting pregnant on a full moon night. The moon also having an influence on the tides, it would act on our internal liquids, especially the amniotic fluid, and favor the rupture of the amniotic sac. We would like to believe it, but no scientific study has established to date that there is a correlation between the moon and pregnancy.

 

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The real signs of imminent labor

While grandmother's tricks can be fun to consider, it's essential to know the more concrete signs of imminent labor. Here are some of the signs commonly observed by healthcare professionals:

Loss of mucus plug

The mucus plug is a thick, jelly-like substance that blocks the entrance to the cervix during pregnancy, acting as a protective barrier against infections. As labor approaches, some pregnant women suddenly notice heavier discharge, which cannot be confused with typical vaginal discharge. It can be pink, brownish, or even slightly blood-tinged. According to a study conducted in France and published in the "Journal de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction" in 2020, the loss of the mucus plug is one of the first signs of approaching labor, although its accuracy as a predictor can vary.

Water breaking

The rupture of membranes, commonly known as "water breaking," occurs when the amniotic sac surrounding the baby ruptures, releasing amniotic fluid. This rupture of the amniotic sac results in a leak or flow of fluid, which should be a reliable sign of imminent labor for you and therefore the time to go to the maternity ward quickly.

Intense contractions lasting more than 40 seconds

Uterine contractions are also a key sign of imminent labor. While false contractions, often called Braxton Hicks contractions, can be felt throughout pregnancy, real contractions become regular, intense, and typically last more than 40 seconds. You should quickly notice the difference, and even if in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your maternity hospital, which will be able to tell you whether or not these are false alarms.

I'm past my due date: what should I do?

It is common for a pregnant woman to go past her due date. In fact, only about 5% of women actually give birth on their due date. However, if you've passed your due date and are wondering what to do, here are some tips:

1. Stay calm: Stress and anxiety can delay labor and thus lead to a longer pregnancy. Try to relax and rest as much as possible.

2. Maintain light physical activity: Light walks or relaxation exercises can help stimulate labor. According to recommendations from the French National Authority for Health (HAS, 2022), moderate and regular physical activity during pregnancy can contribute to facilitating childbirth and reducing the need for C-sections.

3. Have sexual intercourse: Sexual intercourse releases hormones called prostaglandins, which can trigger uterine contractions. Rest assured, sexual intercourse during pregnancy does not pose risks to the health of the expectant mother and baby and can be considered an option to stimulate labor.

4. Monitor for signs of labor: Continue to monitor for signs of imminent labor, such as regular contractions, loss of the mucus plug, and water breaking. If you notice these signs or have concerns, contact your midwife or healthcare provider immediately for advice.

Key steps to identify signs of labor

1. Monitor physical changes: Observe any unusual back pain or the lowering of the belly, which may indicate the body's preparation.

2. Be attentive to emotions and rest: Difficulty sleeping or a sudden urge to clean the house (nesting) are often reported at the end of term.

3. Identify a true sign of advanced pregnancy: Remain particularly vigilant about the breaking of water, which is among the major signs of labor.

4. Distinguish contractions: Learn to differentiate false alarms from intense and regular contractions (more than 40 seconds) characteristic of labor.

5. Avoid remedies without medical advice: Consult a professional before attempting to induce labor with castor oil or alternative methods, in order to limit any risk and avoid a potentially unprepared recourse to an oxytocin infusion.
   

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FAQ

What grandmother's trick for knowing when you're going into labor is most frequently cited?

'Nesting' (a sudden urge to tidy and clean one's home) and the sensation of a lower belly are among the most common pre-birth signs shared by expectant mothers, although they are not medical indicators.

Can nipple stimulation or other home remedies be used to speed up labor?

Nipple stimulation can potentially contribute to the release of natural hormones, but other methods such as consuming castor oil or very spicy dishes are not recommended as they can cause stomach pain and heartburn. Any attempt should be validated with your healthcare professional.

How to differentiate a false alarm from real medical signs?

True signs of labor, such as painful contractions lasting over 40 seconds or changes in the cervix, indicate active labor. Conversely, Braxton Hicks contractions (false alarms) are generally irregular and not progressive.

Do fetal movements decrease before birth?

While the baby has less space as birth approaches, its fetal movements should remain perceptible and regular. Any significant decrease is a warning sign requiring an urgent consultation at the maternity ward.

Can gentle approaches replace artificial induction?

Natural methods such as prenatal massage, relaxation, or gentle manipulations can help the body prepare at its own pace. However, these practices do not replace a medical decision if a sign of imminent labor is absent and an oxytocin infusion proves medically necessary for the mother's and baby's health.

In conclusion, if the last few days before childbirth seem endless, there are some tips to monitor the baby's arrival. The important thing is to listen to your body, trust yourself, and enjoy these last moments with your baby safe and warm.

Are you dreading the post-childbirth phase? We tell you all about the baby blues in our dedicated article.